Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Matty Hewitt

'Something is happening with Leeds United' - how nationals reported Whites ending Chelsea hoodoo

A look at what the national newspapers had to say about Leeds United's emphatic win over Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea.

'Thomas Tuchel 'out-thought' by Leeds United and Jesse Marsch'

Jamie Jackson of the Guardian said: "There was sound from the raucous Leeds congregation and a relentless fury to their side’s play. It yielded a fine second victory of the season, a fourth Premier League goal for the captain, Rodrigo, and a first one for the eyecatching young US international, Brenden Aaronson.

"Most of all Jesse Marsch’s mode of football suggests it was a smart move to sack Marcelo Bielsa in February as the former took over with the team two points above the drop zone. What followed was a final-day survival act and time for Marsch to implement his ideas across a full pre-season.

"Seven points thus far and this invigorating dismantling of Chelsea are the fruits. “I could sense before the game that there was no fear,” Marsch said. “Last year every game there was fear. It means we can go out and perform better.”

"Thomas Tuchel was out-thought by an opposite number taking charge of only his 15th game in English football. After the handshake episode with Antonio Conte last week, Tuchel warmly did the honours with Marsch, but the Chelsea coach will have to revive his team before the visit of Leicester on Saturday."

'Stunning win to win over Marsch sceptics'

Alistair Magowan of the BBC said: "Having secured their Premier League survival on the final day of last season and lost both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha to Manchester City and Barcelona over the summer, Leeds' story was expected to be one of how they would cope.

"But with boss Marsch making several key signings, there was a spirit and team ethic in Leeds which Chelsea could not match. They were helped too by a crowd which was already deafening before kick-off and only increased in volume as the visitors fell apart.

"After a positive start, which saw Tyler Adams get the upper hand in midfield on Conor Gallagher, who was making his full Chelsea debut, the atmosphere took off in the 33rd minute following Mendy's error. Aaronson, who was signed from RB Salzburg in the summer, had already shown his endeavour in midfield and the American chased down Thiago Silva's backpass to open his Leeds account in the easiest fashion possible once keeper Mendy lost the ball a yard from the goal.

"Four minutes later Elland Road was in disbelief and Marsch was charging down the touchline. Harrison's set-piece caused problems once again and Rodrigo doubled United's lead to become the Premier League's top scorer with four goals this season.

"The second half was mostly about containment as Chelsea searched for an equaliser. But Leeds' defence was equal to the task, with a third goal allowing fans to enjoy a brilliant day in the Yorkshire sunshine.

"There are bound to be difficult days to come over the season, but this will give Marsch sceptics plenty to consider - and the American lapped up the applause from all four sides of the stadium with fans singing his name."

Whites hand out battering to Chelsea

Jack Gaughan of the Mail wrote: "Chelsea are enveloped by chaos, pure chaos. Their keeper effectively threw one into his own net here; they had five forwards on the pitch at one point, some of whom were seemingly unsure of where they were supposed to be operating.

"Performances are often the product of what’s going on behind the scenes and here was proof of a club struggling for direction.

"Leeds, on the other hand — well, something is happening with them. If Chelsea were undone by chaos, then Leeds seemed emboldened by the crazed atmosphere. This was their second home win of the season, already halfway to last year’s total. And what a battering they handed out.

"This was their first victory over Chelsea since 2002 but what Jesse Marsch is building here is of far more significance to those packed into Elland Road. Chelsea aren’t the only club to have undergone a revamp — Marsch has overseen one, too, but Leeds’ version has been methodical.

"This display was carefully managed, professional. Chelsea’s scatty policy in the transfer window — Todd Boehly’s tombola — manifested itself on an afternoon that makes you wonder quite where they are heading."

READ NEXT:

Leeds United have the striker targets they want but age-old problem is getting in the way

Leeds United team news as Jesse Marsch forced into attacking reshuffle

Leeds United supporters all say the same thing after Chelsea team selection

Jesse Marsch says Leeds United 'can cause some havoc' against Chelsea at Elland Road

The 20-year Chelsea hoodoo Leeds are looking to end today

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.